Pakistan cricket team’s antics in the Asia Cup 2025 continue as they have now reportedly canceled the pre-match press conference before their Super 4 clash against India on Sunday. Ever since the handshake controversy that erupted in IND vs PAK tie on September 14, the PCB and the ICC have gone back and forth, with the former even demanding the removal of Andy Pycroft as the match referee. While Pycroft is set to officiate the game on Sunday, reports claim that Pakistan will not be involved in pre-match media duties.
Pakistan boycott presser before IND vs PAK
As per ESPNCricinfo, Pakistan have canceled their pre-match press conference which was scheduled to be held at 6 PM local time on Saturday. The report states that the team will, however, train at the ICC Academy as per the schedule. Meanwhile, a NDTV report has claimed that Pakistan has cancelled the PC in order to avoid questions on Pycroft and the handshake row.
“Pakistan have once again cancelled pre match presser conference in order to avoid questions on Pycroft appointment and no handshake controversy,” a tournament source said, as per NDTV.
The issue began when the Indian team refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team in the IND vs PAK clash on September 14. The PCB lodged a protest with the ACC over the matter and went on to accuse Pycroft of violating the Code of Conduct by asking the two captains to not shake hands at the toss. Pakistan shot multiple letters to the ICC, demanding removal of the Zimbabwean as match referee and also launch a probe into alleged violations made by him. The ICC categorically rejected the board’s claims. Pakistan got into fresh trouble before the game against UAE for filming a meeting between Pycroft, Salman Ali Agha, coach Hesson, with the ICC alleging that the team had violated PMOA rules. The PCB promptly rejected the allegations, claiming that the team manager did have access to the area.
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